Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Before your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy arrives, two actions require completion: confirming health test documentation and enrolling in pet insurance before the first vet visit. PRCD-PRA DNA test documentation from both parents is the most critical document to verify — a puppy from two clear parents cannot be affected by progressive blindness. Insurance must be active before the first vet visit; once any condition is documented in the veterinary record, it may become a pre-existing exclusion.

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Health Documentation to Confirm Before Purchase

• PRCD-PRA DNA test — both parents must be clear; this completely eliminates progressive retinal atrophy as a risk
• CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) test for both parents
• OFA hip certification for both parents
• Thyroid evaluation — autoimmune thyroid disease is elevated in this breed

Essential Gear Checklist

• Medium crate (30–36 inch with divider for growth)
• Dog bed or orthopedic mat
• Stainless steel bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave immediately on arrival)
  One option: GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag on Amazon. An engraved stainless steel ID tag; you pick the shape and the lines of text at checkout. Put a phone number that's actually answered on it, and update the engraving if you move.
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash and 20–30 ft long line for recall training
  One option: Joytale Double-Handle Leash (6 ft) on Amazon. A 6-foot nylon leash with a padded second handle near the clip for close control, plus reflective stitching for dark walks. The 1-inch webbing suits medium and large dogs; it can feel heavy on a young puppy.
• Slicker brush, pin brush, and metal comb — begin grooming routine from week one
  One option: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush on Amazon. The Big G has long, angled pins set in a flexible cushioned pad, built for working through double, long and curly coats. Use light strokes; slicker pins can scratch skin if pressed hard.
• High-value training treats
  One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Retrieve toys — bumpers, tennis balls, floating toys for water work
• Durable chew toys
  One option: Benebone Wishbone Chew, Bacon (Medium) on Amazon. A nylon wishbone-shaped chew with real bacon flavor, shaped so the dog can hold it with its paws; the Medium is for dogs up to 60 pounds. Nylon chews are for gnawing, not eating; replace it once the ends wear down to a size the dog could swallow.
• Enzymatic cleaner
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.

First Week Priorities

What should the first week with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy look like?

Insurance Before the First Vet Visit

Enroll in pet insurance on arrival day, before the puppy's first veterinary appointment. This preserves full coverage for conditions that may appear later — eye conditions, autoimmune disease, orthopedic issues. Once the vet visit occurs and findings are documented, those notes can affect coverage eligibility. For Tollers, comprehensive coverage with no breed-specific eye condition exclusions is what to look for.

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention discussion
• Ask about ophthalmology referral if parents were not CEA tested — a veterinary ophthalmology exam identifies any eye anomalies early
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — some evidence supports 18–24 months for sporting breeds for full musculoskeletal development
• Microchip if not done by breeder

Starting the Grooming Routine

Begin weekly brushing from the first week. The Toller's feathered ears, legs, and tail are the high-attention areas — acclimatizing the puppy to having these areas handled makes adult grooming manageable. Run a metal comb through the feathering weekly to build tolerance and catch any early tangles before they become mats.

Socialization and Water Introduction

Socialization and Water Work for Toller Puppies

Socialization Window: 8–16 Weeks

Tollers are generally outgoing dogs, but some lines trend toward wariness — active socialization during the critical window shapes the adult temperament. Prioritize:

• Varied people: different ages, appearances, and types of interaction
• Novel environments: urban sounds, different surfaces, vehicles
• Controlled dog interactions: puppy classes provide safe, positive dog-dog exposure
• Handling: ears, paws, mouth — this breed needs regular ear checks and grooming from puppyhood

Carry the puppy in high disease-risk areas before vaccinations are complete. Don't sacrifice the socialization window for disease precaution alone.

Water Introduction — Start Early

Tollers were bred for water work — the name refers to their tolling behavior luring waterfowl into range, followed by retrieving from water. Most Tollers take readily to water with positive early introduction. Start in shallow, calm water and let the puppy choose the depth and pace. Never force water entry. By 4–5 months, most Tollers with positive exposure are enthusiastic swimmers. Water and retrieve games are the ideal exercise and enrichment outlets for this breed throughout their life.

Retrieve Drive — Channel It Early

Toller puppies typically have strong retrieve drive. Channeling this constructively from early — structured fetch games, introduction to bumpers, recall games using retrieve toys — builds the foundation for a mentally engaged adult dog. A Toller with active retrieve outlets is easier to train and live with than one whose drive has no direction. Start simple retrieve games from the first week and build from there.